If you're a fan of noodle dishes like I am, then Menya Noodle Bar might just become your new favourite spot.
Nestled conveniently near Town Hall in Sydney, Menya Noodle Bar is a contemporary ramen joint serving up a delightful array of traditional Japanese noodle bowls at wallet-friendly prices.
With most dishes on the menu priced below $20, it's a steal considering its prime location at Shop 2, 1 Market Street.
This eatery has earned heaps of praise for its robust broths and perfectly cooked noodles, boasting popular options such as Menya Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Pork Gyoza, Chicken Katsu Curry, and Vegetarian Ramen.
I stumbled upon this gem thanks to a friend's recommendation, and I was eager to experience it firsthand.
Among the mouthwatering offerings, I opted for the vegetarian udon with prawn tempura, and it exceeded my expectations. The udon noodles had that perfect chewiness, and the sauce hit all the right notes for my palate.
As a blogger, I find joy in learning about the subjects I write about. Researching for this blog post taught me quite a bit about ramen and udon noodles, which I hope enriches your knowledge too!
Let's delve a bit deeper into these beloved Japanese dishes:
About Japanese Ramen:
Ramen holds a special place in Japanese culinary culture, with a history dating back centuries. Initially inspired by Chinese wheat noodles, ramen underwent a transformation in Japan, resulting in a myriad of regional variations. From the hearty tonkotsu ramen of Kyushu to the robust miso ramen of Hokkaido, each region boasts its own unique take on the dish. Post-World War II, the invention of instant noodles by Momofuku Ando catapulted ramen to global fame. Today, it's not just fast food; it's a culinary art form. With its endless variations in broths, noodles, and toppings, ramen continues to captivate food lovers worldwide.
About Udon:
Udon, characterized by its thick, chewy noodles, is another staple of Japanese cuisine. Made from simple ingredients like wheat flour, salt, and water, these noodles have a knack for absorbing the flavors of the broth or sauces they're served with. Whether enjoyed in a steaming bowl of savory broth, stir-fried as yaki udon, or chilled with a dipping sauce, udon offers a satisfying culinary experience. Its versatility has made it a beloved dish both in Japan and beyond, with countless recipes available for home cooks to experiment with.
Feeling hungry yet?
Well, if you find yourself in Sydney and share a passion for noodles, Menya Noodle Bar is a must-visit.
Open on weekdays for lunch from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and for dinner from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm, this spot brings a taste of Japan to the heart of Sydney. (Note that they are closed on weekends and public holidays.)
With a stellar rating of 4.3 from over 1160 reviews on Google, it's clear that Menya Noodle Bar has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike.
Don't miss out on this noodle haven!